The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers has announced the recipients of its annual Life Member Awards.
Steve R. Fox of Nestle Canada will be awarded in the Industry Builder category. Currently Senior Vice-President of Customer Development at Nestle after joining the company in 2003, Fox previously worked at Adam’s Canada and Kraft.
“Steve is recognized by his peers as a leader amongst leaders in the Canadian retail sector. What makes him unique is not that he’s a great supporter of the grocery sector, but that he gives his personal time to help make Canada a better place,” says Tim Barlow, president and CEO of CFIG in a press release.
Ken Schley, Noel Hayward and John Briuolo, the founders of Vancouver Island’s Quality Foods over 30 years ago, will be awarded in the Independent Grocer category. Schley is the president of the 12-store chain, while Hayward and Briuolo are managing partners.
Despite being independent, Quality Foods has used technology as one of its greatest strengths. In 1991, it launched Q-Card, Canada’s first electronic loyalty program. Five years later, it turned to e-commerce, and it has recently developed an app linking customers directly to the loyalty program.
“The Quality Foods story is one of inspiration, perseverance and collaboration between partners,” says Barlow in a press release. “By staying focused on what their customers want and giving back to the communities in which they operate, Quality Foods personifies what makes independent grocers a vital part of the Canadian social fabric.”
The recipients of the Life Member Awards will be presented with their awards at Grocery Innovations Canada, taking place on September 29 and 30 in Toronto.
